Sunday, 10 August 2008
Teacher card
We had a lovely last day scoffing her home-made cakes and enjoying the delights of "walk in a funny way day" - well done to all those who joined in - shame on you if you didn't - ha ha!
Here's some piccies of the card I made her - its a tri-fold card with a curved top - the decoupaged teacher has lovely auburn hair like my pal (ok, yes, its really ginger!) - with some inspirational teaching quotes lovingly pasted onto pieces of patterned velum and textured paper - topped off with various cute embellishments, a little padded gold heart, a flower button & my fave, the little teeny tiny clothes peg!
Saturday, 26 July 2008
Libby's Blog
I just paid another visit to my buddy's at the Craft Forum and just wanted to share this new Blog with you, made by the young daughter of my good friend Nat http://libbyart.blogspot.com/
Well done Libby, your work is lovely, a crafting artist in the making! Keep up the great work and, most of all, enjoy being creative. It's a lovely road you're on
...until next time, I hope you find the joy of making something for someone you love x
Sunday, 20 July 2008
Dear Dad
Luckily my niece Tina is a nurse at the same hospital and, although she's finished work recently awaiting the imminent (3 weeks!) arrival of her first baby, she managed to join my brother in law at the hospital so she could help make sure her Grandad was seen to and looked after as quickly as possible
Dad's a very young 80 year old with a health record that a man 20-30 years younger would envy so it was quite a shock at first, followed by relief that he just has to rest and take painkillers then he'll be back to his usual, sprightly self
Here's a piccy of the man himself and his youngest (moi!) at his recent 80th party...
...and a photo of his Take It Easy card we're dropping round when we visit tomorrow night...
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
Told you I made a card!
Sunday, 15 June 2008
Happy Birthday To Me
42 years ago today little Shaz came into the world, what a momentous occasion that was, did you see it on the news? :)
Hey I'm not a football fan but at least it makes my 1966 birth year a memorable one for lots of people
Well my Bongo got fixed last week, had a new front differential, good as new again now!
And Dad's 80th party was lovely, he was very surprised and I'll show you some piccies very soon.
...until then, take a look at this wonderful card I received in the mail from my very good crafting pal Ruth from Tip Top Toppers http://www.tiptoptoppers.co.uk/ she's put my Billy Bongo on, how cool is that! Thanks Ruth lovey x x
Sunday, 1 June 2008
Hi there
Oooh I've had problems in Bongoland the past couple of weeks!
Its similar to Blogland but everything has 4 wheels and 8 seats and guzzles diesel and my particularly lovely Bongo is poorly at the minute - first my tyre went completely flat about half mile down the road and it turned out the valve had gone so it just blew all the air out in one blast! - then we heard very uncomfortable noises and the mechanic says it looks like we need a new wheel bearing and seal
But I'm lucky enough to have a vehicle that has a Fan Club! So I've been visiting the wonderful Bongo Fury and getting a lovely welcome and some great advice from the forum members here http://www.bongofury.co.uk/ so if you're intrigued and fancy looking at what these Bongos are all about, take a look!
And at long last I've done some crafting! Just a card for my neice and for my workpal Nicola BUT my camera is still having to share batteries with my puter mouse so I coudnt take piccies before I had to give the cards out! - maybe I can borrow them back and blog some photos
And I'm due to make an NLP presentation to Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council on Wednesday so I'm really looking forward to that, cant wait - hang on, yes I can, cos I need to do the prep work first - 2 more days will come in handy!
Last but far from least, its Stanley's 80th Surprise Birthday this evening so I have his photo cake sat in my kitchen - so I'll steal these mouse batteries when I've said bye bye then I'll be ready to take some snaps this evening and show you
...until next time, whenever that may be, dont forget me and see ya soon! Bye bye...now where's that mousey?...
Saturday, 17 May 2008
Chit chat
Just a quick catch up on what's going on in the Focus on Life world at the minute!
Looking forward to Dad's Surprise 80th Bash on 1 June, cant wait to see his face when he sees his personalised Kaleidescope invitations and matching cake! Watch this space for piccies
But before that, dont forget to pop along and see me on Saturday 24 May at the Craft Fair being held at Falinge Park, Falinge Road in Rochdale. I'll be taking along my framed pictures and also some personalised invitation samples as suggested by my Craft Forum buddies. Be great to see you in person, come say hi!
On the Neuro Linguistic Programming front, I had a meeting last week with a Mental Health Manager from Oldham Borough Council and I'm really pleased to say he's hoping to include my name on a list of approved Practitioners who can be brought in to to do a variety of Workshops for a variety of different audiences with different needs (hey, I'm different too so I'm just the girl for the job!). We're going to start with a presentation to his team quite soon so I'll definitely keep you posted on how that goes
And on the subject of all things cerebrally-related, I'd love to share this further Stress article with you from my friend and colleague Paula Heap of the Life Coaching Practice which is part of our ongoing Health features on Christine's wonderful AboutMyArea website - there's even a quiz for you to take too, give it a try here http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Lancashire/Rossendale/BB4/Health-and-Fitness/Health-Awareness/93860-Stress-Prevention-and-Stress-Test
...until next time, dont stress out...work out!...or go out!...or freak out! x x
Wednesday, 7 May 2008
Personalised Invitation Service
Thanks guys and I'll definitely take your advice, the only ones I'd done before these were my own 40th party invitations with various photos of a tiny Shaz on! I must try to dig out some copies of those to show you soon, gappy grin and all!
...until next time, nite nite, sleep tight, dont let the bedbugs bite x
Monday, 5 May 2008
Stanley's Surprise
As part of his present, I've designed and produced his party invitations - although he doesnt know it yet of course cos its a SURPRISE PARTY
So here is step one - scanning in the photo I used
...step two was producing his very own, unique Kaleidescope design
Sunday, 4 May 2008
Bye for now Maddy
Our pets give us such unconditional love and devotion, its no wonder we grieve their passing as we would any member of our family. I remember Casey having her pups and they kept Maddy, so named after Madonna as she slept flat on her back with her paws wide open...
Bless her little heart now in heaven - a big part of me cant help thinking she and her mum just wanted to run together again without pain
...until next time, welcome to Doggy Heaven Maddy, Casey wags a big hello to her baby!
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
Mini Me
One of my UK Crafts Forum buddies came across this website which allows you to make little "Mini Meez" of yourself and what fun we've had with them!
Not only can you select your own build, facial features, hairstyles, accessories, clothes, shoes etc but you can also choose different "attitudes" which is a lot of fun!
Our most ardent Craft Forum mini meez fan has even made some famous Mini Meez and we're playing guess the famous person...do we have too much time on our hands I hear you ask?!...not a bit! We just ignore the cleaning, ironing, washing up and all the other boring jobs...
So say hello to Mini Shaz and, if you've met me in person or seen my photo on here, let me know how she compares? Aside from not being able to choose a 4' 11" titchy mode, I think she's pretty spot on!
If you'd like to play along and make your very own Mini You, just visit www.meez.com
...until next time, when we may have a Mini Community!
Saturday, 26 April 2008
It's weekend
D'ya know I was at home on Wednesday and completely forgot to say Happy St George's Day! So although I know this is late, I just wanted to share with you the wonderful celebrations that were held in Morley, West Yorkshire http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7351194.stm
I had every intention of making some St George's Day greetings cards to try and start up a trend for them and never got around to it this year - maybe next year, especially if we could drum up some local interest in marking the day somehow - keep you posted!
And just in case its raining in your heart, take some tips from my friend and colleague Paula from The Life Coaching Practice and read her second article about Stress here http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Lancashire/Bury/BL0/Health-and-Fitness/Health-Awareness/91901-Cures-for-Stress
...until next time, remember you can make your own fair weather every day, take care
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
Stress
So I wanted to share with you the next instalment in our AboutMyArea articles written by my good friend Paula and published by our good friend Christine http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Lancashire/Rossendale/BB4/Health-and-Fitness/Health-Awareness/90947-What-is-Stress
...until next time, "you gotta have friends"
Sunday, 20 April 2008
Mental & Retail Therapy
...OK so thats really just an overly-dramatic way of saying I've been a bit busy LOL
Regular readers will know I'm also a qualified Neuro Linguistic Programming Practitioner and it seems to be about time I re-jigged my Beloved Blog a little to give some more space to my "Paul McKenna" skills alongside my Keepsake Kollection pieces...I was thinking of something like...
My latest collaboration is something I've touched on in a previous post, namely writing some regular NLP related articles for our local AboutMyArea website. I'm very pleased to say that my first feature on "insomnia" has been featured here http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Lancashire/Rossendale/BB4/Health-and-Fitness/Health-Awareness/90050-Insomnia and I'd like to say a big thank you to Christine for inviting me to participate and I'm really looking forward to working with both Christine and Paula from The Life Coaching Practice whose article on "stress" I'll share with you next time
...until then, for mental and retail therapy, who you gonna call?...Focus on Life!
Monday, 14 April 2008
My crafting helper
...and the good news is I've booked a Rochdale Craft Fair in May now too...
...but the bad news is (there has to be some or it feels left out) I just havent been able to steal any time of late to make something new! Ggggrrrrr
So until I get back with the programme again, I just thought I'd share my little crafting helper with you
Yeah you're right, he doesnt look like he's helping much does he? Hmmmm
...until next time, I promise faithfully with hand on heart that there will be not a trace of ginger and white hair in the card I make for you!
Sunday, 13 April 2008
Heywood visitors!
Hey this is me and my lovely Craft Forum friend SusieQ who came with her hubby Bob to visit me at the Heywood Craft Fair yesterday!
I was doubly-blessed by visitors yesterday as another Forum buddy Goldy also came to see me, how lucky was I?!
I've posted this link before but here is where we all hang on a regular (very regular!) basis if you fancy joining us - you'll be made very welcome http://www.craftsforum.co.uk/index.php?referrerid=9261
The fair itself was pretty quiet sadly but we did have rain, rain, rain all day - until it was time to pack up ironically - ggggrrrrrrr
But I do wanna thank my stall neighbours Lorna & Karen for their great company and lovely comments on my work and great tips about upcoming events and all sorts of things. Thats the lovely thing about participating in Fairs. No matter how many or how few potential customers visit on the day, you can always rely on meeting some wonderful crafty like-minded folk and the ideas and information that are exchanged on the day are worth their weight in gold
If you're a new visitor to my Blog and especially if we met at Heywood, a big HELLO and WELCOME and THANK YOU for dropping by and I hope you find something here to inspire or entertain you
...until next time, enjoy the rest of your weekend
Thursday, 10 April 2008
Heywood Craft Fair this Saturday
But until then, I did just want to remind you that I'll be at the Craft Fair at Heywood Civic Centre this Saturday so here's a bit more info about the venue including the postcode if you need it, it'd be lovely to see you http://www.venues.org.uk/profile_page.asp?VenueID=1810
When you come and say hi, if you shout "Shaz I've seen your Blog" at the top of your voice, I'll even give you a discount on your first order just because you've given me and my neighbour stallholders such a laugh!
...until next time, keep those Keepsakes handy, you never know when you might want me to make them even more special than they already are
Sunday, 6 April 2008
Bye for now Casey
Monday was my first day at my new job and I've had a thoroughly enjoyable first week. Not only are all the people really warm and helpful but the whole environment is very rewarding. My department are speech therapists so they help those with communication challenges and we also have Service Users helping out in the office 3 days of the week and its so lovely to see them enjoying carrying out whatever tasks they can in the office and getting such fulfillment from it - well done and thank you Oliver, Suzanne and Johnny!
Tuesday evening saw a great turnout for our Valley at Work special event with our guest speaker (see my Enterprise Island post)
Wednesday I dived into helping out with the phones at work. One of our girls was away ill and it was the busiest phone day and actually quite fun for me just learning who on earth everyone was. That might make me sound like a bit of a saddo but, for someone who'd been at her old day job for 17 years and knew the world and his wife, it was quite refreshing to be the new girl learning everything from scratch! If the chance arises to learn something new, try to take it...
Thursday evening was absolutely brilliant! I was chuffed to be invited by http://www.startup-lancashire.com/index.html to a Kickstart Your Marketing seminar from http://www.mercurymarketing.co.uk/ and I cant praise it enough. Geoff is a wonderful public speaker bringing a wealth of marketing experience and tips in a fun and informative way. I even chatted with Geoff about my business and Blog during the interval and that speaks volumes for how approachable he is, I very rarely do that with public speakers! I hope you'll visit his site and try to catch him if he's ever in your area, I can highly recommend his events
and Friday evening I went to a great 2nd Birthday gathering for our local online community forum http://www.rossendaleonline.co.uk/index.php Lee organised a brilliant night in Rawtenstall with food laid on for us and we got the unique chance to put faces to forum names. We ate chilli and garlic bread together and some of us even exchanged tattoo viewings!
Sadly yesterday I heard that my brother and sister in law had said goodbye to their beloved dog Casey who passed away on Friday after going downhill for some time (but well enough for the vets to allow her to stay with them during her final weeks). So bye bye for now Casey and everyone will take care of your daughter Maddy until you run with her again in Doggy Heaven. This is for you sweetie...
...until next time, take time to say "I love you" to those you love, human or animal
Wednesday, 2 April 2008
Enterprise Island
We had our first special Valley at Work event last night, something a bit different to our regular monthly meetings. We were enlightened and entertained by Iain Scott, the man behind Enterprise Island.
Iain's most definitely a man worth listening to - and meeting - in the flesh. Being a "corporate escapee" myself I could not fail to be instantly enamoured with a man sporting a kilt and the most unique non-corporate hairdo I've seen in, well, ever!
And anyone who dispels the myth that entrepreneurs must be "born" goes on the good guy list in my book
As regular readers will know, I've been a member of the Valley at Work business group since its inception in September 2007 and we're going from strength to strength in Rossendale with members now totalling the 100 mark and aims to double in size.
You can visit the Valley at Work site here http://valleyatwork.co.uk/default.aspx
And I can highly recommend you visit Iain here http://www.enterpriseisland.com/
...until next time, you may well be an entrepreneur too and just not know it yet!
Sunday, 30 March 2008
My Angel in Disguise
...until next time, I hope you're an angel for someone special too
Saturday, 29 March 2008
Clocks forward
So as its (apparently?) Spring and tomorrow Summertime begins (????) dont forget to put your clocks forward tonight - well at 2am Sunday morning if you want to stay up really late and do it right
Dunno about you but I like to put mine forward before I go to bed, then I feel a bit "naughty" cos I've stayed up even later than usual - and I dont miss the lost hour next day
Out of batteries in my camera (had to steal them for my mouse!) so keep you posted on those piccies of my card and gift I got off my darling yesterday
...until next time, enjoy your last day of spring
Friday, 28 March 2008
Result
I thought I'd consider doing some temp work for the first time as it could fit in so well with my plans for Keepsake Kollections, my craft fairs, my NLP articles (forgot to tell you about that yet!) and my Valley at Work commitments etc.
So off I trot yesterday morning for my agency appointment, did my tests, did very well, happy so far, trot off home - the same afternoon, the agency rang me to ask if I could attend an interview this morning.
So off I trot again this morning for my interview, lovely place, lovely people, I start on Monday!
Who managed this feat I hear you ask? Well with a little input from me (LOL) all this was accomplished by Justine at the Rochdale branch of http://www.mpeople-recruitment.com/index.html so thanks Justine!
...until next time when I'll share with you the congratulation card and present my baby bought for me whilst I was having my interview (yes, he has that kind of faith in me!)
Wednesday, 26 March 2008
Foiled again
No? Well, to me, they read and looked like Dr Jekyll's laboratory - bottles and caps and syringes and tubes all over the place! - and never having seen it set up in "real life" before I was stumped! - especially when it mentioned screwdrivers! - screwdrivers?!
So today our friends, who use the same system, very kindly visited to help install it - but the whole kit has to go back cos there are two "twiddly bits" broken off and, after much deliberation, the consensus of opinion was that these "twiddly bits" being intact could be pretty essential to the process...
...so for the time being we're still printer-less until further notice and our Velvet Andy Warhol inspired creation will need to wait just a little while longer to be born
All the more to look forward to when we're back up and running though!
...until next time, I just hope your twiddly bits are fine and dandy x
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
Craft Fair 12 April - Heywood, Lancashire
So, as ever, I'd absolutely love it if you could come along and say hi!
Big thanks to my very nice stall-neighbour (Rae?) who mentioned this event to me whilst we were chatting at the Bacup Craft Fair on Saturday
...until next time, keep smiling
Monday, 24 March 2008
Missy Legs
Sunday, 23 March 2008
Bacup Easter Fair
And so was the food bar where I got my lovely giant cheeseburger with onions & ketchup, yum. And in case he's reading this, I must apologise for teasing the guy who didnt get cheese on his cheeseburger....I subsequently wafted my cheese-ful burger under his nose on the way back to my stall, we did laugh!
If you're one of the lovely people I met yesterday and you're reading this, a BIG THANK YOU for popping along to my Blog too, I'm so pleased you dropped by. It's been running since Feb so please have a good look around cos each post will either show you some of my work or sometimes the work of another talented crafter but hopefully you'll find something to entertain you in one way or another
...and before I sign off, take a look at our snow today! Here's the view from the back bedroom
Saturday, 22 March 2008
Britannia Coconutters
Friday, 21 March 2008
Whether to heed weather reports
Yet just look at the spectacular view from my back window this morning...
How much do I love living here? Answers on a postcard please!
Dont forget to get to Bacup Leisure Hall tomorrow if you can, I'll be there and it'd be great to see you in real life
...until next time, hope the sun's shining on you today, wherever you are
Thursday, 20 March 2008
Velvet Paper and other goodies
...it also came with a bumper pack of beautiful beads and embellishments in a gorgeous range of colours...have a sneaky peek...
Wednesday, 19 March 2008
Easter card & box
The six-sided box was embossed and painted and had plenty of room to store the lovely chocolate mini eggs I put inside for him (although I did help him eat rather a lot of them!)
I then embossed and decorated two more panels for the matching feature on the greeting card but cut the top layer into four sections leaving small gaps so you could glimpse the layer beneath
See, I can make things that dont have photographs on them! Although I do love the ultimate personalisation using a photo brings, you just cant beat it
...until next time, enjoy your Easter preparations
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
Another before and after
...so here's the photo of Pol and her beautiful boy Aiden BEFORE
...and here's the AFTER
...this is one of the "kaleidescope" baubles, done in a pinwheel effect, and is double sided and has a blue ribbon to hang it....well, just about wherever you want to!
I actually made this as a sample piece for my Craft Fairs but, when Pol saw it, she had to have one! Next time she comes to trim my hair, an exact replica of this will await her!
...until next time, please report me to the Exclamation Mark Support Group, I need help!!!!!
Monday, 17 March 2008
Happy St Patricks Day
Happy St Patricks Day everybody
Kiss that Blarney Stone, it'll do you good (although hanging around in this position for too long might not?!)
Blarney Stone
...until next time, be good
Sunday, 16 March 2008
Easter Saturday Bacup Booty
Because its Easter we'll also have the famous Britannia Coconutters Boundary to Boundary Dance taking place, a great reason to visit if you havent seen them before. They're a traditional folk dance troupe with a history that some say comes from pagan or medieval backgrounds, their faces blackened to disguise them from being recognised by evil spirits afterwards!
You can read more of the Coconutters history and see their dance route and some photos here http://www.coconutters.co.uk/
...until next time, make a diary date to Come See Me & The Coconutters! x
Saturday, 15 March 2008
Doggie Diet Card
That's winging its way to him in the post, I think it'll make them both laugh when they get it!
...until next time, think about using your own photo on cards, the ultimate personalisation!
Friday, 14 March 2008
Remote control cat
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
Halloween
Because I've only just got around to photographing it, I wanted to show you the very first 3D picture I put together. It's a photo of me & my old workmates celebrating Halloween a few years ago (I'm the witch sat on the table at the front on the right!)
It's 7 layers deep and curved, which perfectly suited the curved table we were perched on!
Tuesday, 11 March 2008
Our Deepest Fear
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure!
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure about you.
We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
...from "A Return to Love" by Marianne Williamson
...until next time, let your light shine bright x
Monday, 10 March 2008
Speciality Horseshoe Keepsakes
Made from real horseshoes, they're a beautiful gift for any occasion - not just weddings - the pink one is for a baby girl's christening, how lovely is that?
They are the work of my UK Craft Forum buddy Janice of ttp://www.freewebs.com/clipclophorseshoes/ and I hope you'll visit her to see her other photos and read a little about how she came up with the idea in the first place.
I'd love to think they'd fit into my Memory Boxes or even my large A3 recessed frames to make up a wonderful Keepsake Kollection special with a featured photograph!
...until next time, stop horsing about and buy HANDMADE! xx
Sunday, 9 March 2008
Before and After
This is my beautiful neice Abbie, aged 6, although she wont thank me for fondly remembering her toilet training days when she insisted "no nanna, want auntie shawon take me!"
...and below you can see the close up of just one corner of my large (A3) framed Xmas Special where her photo has been turned into a flower shaped Kaleidescope...
Saturday, 8 March 2008
Missing Pets
At a meeting last Tuesday evening I was introduced to the guy who runs http://www.rossendaleonline.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2291 which is a great forum for anyone who lives in Rossendale, used to live in Rossendale or who just plain wants to know whats happening in the area.
Whilst having a look around the forum on Wednesday night, I found a post about a local missing dog (aw!) and discovered a brilliant website offering great help if you're in that situation.........
...........and the very next day, my babe's beautiful husky Jet escaped from the garden and went missing!
COINCIDENCE? Personally I think not.
Thankfully, just after I spoke with the lovely lady at DogLost, Jet was found by his 4 strong search party - but I do hope you'll take a look at their site (after checking out my work of course!) here http://www.doglost.co.uk/forum.asp?ID=11892
It's not only an invaluable service and support if your beloved pet is lost but you can register (FREE) to become a Helper - I'm one now! - and you'll receive an email when a dog living in your area has been reported missing so you can look out for them and even print Missing posters from online photos to aid the search
Fear not cat lovers (I have two feline companions as regular readers will know!). I also found this site which helps us too http://www.missingpetsuk.com/?gclid=CMnY8f6X-5ECFQ8gQgodyXUiyA
...until next time, I pray all these owners and their much loved pets are reunited soon x
Friday, 7 March 2008
Now and Then
I've cut the backgrounds from each photo and replaced it with the same colour to bridge the 15 year gap and tie the two pictures together.
Wednesday, 5 March 2008
Insomnia
I was asked about insomnia last night so thought I'd share a slightly unusual technique with you.
If you're a sufferer, friends & family will always be able to offer suggestions they've tried before or solutions they've heard about from other people or read in books - lets face it, there's no single solution that works for everyone, just like there's no single, miracle technique to stop smoking
But as a therapist, we're taught to help you find the answers from within yourself.
So let me ask you "what do you get from not sleeping?"
The first response to that question is usually "what do you mean? what do I get from it?"
So I'd respond "what do you gain from not being able to sleep? What does it give you?"
Now once you start focussing on the positives, just some possible answers are:
a) well I do get some good business ideas when I cant sleep
b) it does give me time to review the day to see if there's anything I've forgotten to do
c) I sometimes find the solution to a problem by having all that time to consider options
... and a very honest and enlightening one some people face is:
d) it gets me lots of sympathy from friends & fellow sufferers, we have a common problem to talk about, we help each other by trying out different remedies
Once you've exhausted your list of what insomnia does for you, then you can begin to "negotiate"
So for options a-c negotiate with yourself - if I make more effort to find time to come up with those business ideas or do my daily checklist or make a pro's and con's list during the day - then I'll be able to rest easier at night
For option d, once you've come to this realisation, the very first thing to do is not beat yourself up about it. In fact, congratulate yourself for being so honest, most people aren't that brave. After all it's nice to have a common subject to share with other people. It feels good to have people sympathise with you and want to help you. And just the way celebrities argue bad publicity is still publicity, getting attention because of something negative is still attention...but now you know what it is, you have the power to change it...or decide its no longer useful to you and discard it...or realise you have something positive to share with your friends instead of something negative...
I hope this sets you thinking...but hopefully not in the dead of night!!!
So you see I gained something from being awake until 2am this morning! My NLP Practitioner side reminded me that, had this been a client, you'd have had this technique pre-planned for their first appointment!
...until next time, make love, not sleeping tablet Company profits!
Tuesday, 4 March 2008
Angel
Monday, 3 March 2008
Busy busy busy
A large navy veterans framed piece - I'm very excited as my customer has now chosen 3 war medals, a bosun's whistle and 2 B&W photos ready to go into her piece! And I've bought the frame so all systems go!
A Christmas themed Memory Box (yes, you heard right, christmas!) - I'm chuffed to bits cos this is my first order for the new Memory Boxes - the main element will be a 3D multi layered photo of 2 little tots sat on santa's knee, bless em!
And as a gift for one of my UK Crafts Forum buddies http://www.craftsforum.co.uk/index.php?referrerid=9261 , I'm very keen to start her "Pins & Needles" group card!
Sam from http://www.incywincytogs.co.uk/ makes gorgeous baby, toddler & nursery items and also runs a Flickr special interest group here http://www.flickr.com/groups/pinsandneedles/ and has sent me a selection of beautiful photographs of her colleagues' handcrafted items. As a thank you for letting me (a non-sewer!) join their group, I'm making a special card featuring their work and we've done a deal - Sam gets the electronic card and I get the original to display at my Craft Fairs!
...but I cant start work on any of them until Wednesday as I have the honour of doing a 20 minute presentation tomorrow evening to my http://valleyatwork.co.uk/default.aspx business network group and I havent got a thing set down on paper yet! It's on Neuro Linguistic Programming so not exactly the simplest of subjects to decide what to include in my agenda! I'm really looking forward to it though
So...until next time...its LOVELY to be so busy!
Sunday, 2 March 2008
Saturday, 1 March 2008
Poppy Puss & Rossendale Radio
Couple of things to share with you - firstly I want to thank Jayne from Poppy Puss Creations who's very kindly featured my work on her website!http://www.poppypusscreations.com/index.htm
Amongst other things, Jayne produces a lovely range of soaps & bath products made to order so I hope you'll visit her to to look around
Secondly, an update to my previous post, we've just heard that Tony from http://www.a1creative.net/ has been successful in his application to secure a new Rossendale Radio station licence! So now the work begins to get everything set up and, you never know, you may just hear my dulcet tones reading a radio advert or two...
...until next time Smashy & Nicey better watch out if Shaz comes to Rossendale Radio!
Thursday, 28 February 2008
Mothers Day
Sadly my own mum passed away many years ago but I do have a lovely stepmum and thought I'd show you the card I've made for her today.
I've mounted the main photo (her dancing with my very suave-looking dad, what an attractive couple they make, doncha think?) onto some nice textured coordinating paper and the background paper is a striking repeat close up of my stepmum Margaret. It's finished with a handmade Happy Mothers Day greeting tag secured with a lovely gold brad. The card insert is personalised and printed in the same typeface to match the greeting tag
...now I KNOW she isnt going to receive another card quite like it!
Orders for your own personalised photograph greetings cards, announcements or invitations can be made by just giving me a call! As I like to say - handmade is special - adding a name makes it personal - using their photo makes it UNIQUE!
...until next time, please treasure your mum!
Wednesday, 27 February 2008
Focus on Crystal Velvet Weddings
Karen designs beautiful bespoke tiaras and jewellery and her Crystal Velvet Weddings blog features not only her own designs but a wonderful selection of all things weddingy - a perfect place for the bride to be or her friends & family to visit for inspiration and suppliers
Karen's work can also be found here http://www.crystalvelvet.co.uk/ and here http://www.beadsbydesign.co.uk/ so I hope you'll pay her a visit and enjoy looking at her beautiful things
...until next time, thanks for featuring Focus Karen!
Tuesday, 26 February 2008
Perfect Kaleidescope Designs
Some tips for selecting the perfect photo to submit for your Focus Kaleidescope gift are:
Monday, 25 February 2008
Perfect 3D Photographs
* group photos are always good and 3D techniques give them a whole new life & dimension
* not just weddings - school photos, sports teams, stag/hen groups, family events, club groups...
* having other items in the foreground/background is even better - eg trophy presentations
* if the group looks great but your background is poor, dont worry - I can change it!
* so just think, you could be outside the off licence...but I can put you outside a manor house!
* 3D techniques can still be used in a photo with just one or two people in, we have the power!
I hope this begins to show you why each design & quotation is personal to you. Your photograph will dictate the number of "layers" that can be used - and of course, more layers gives an even greater 3D effect. Your own taste dictates the materials that can be used in the design, you may like simple, modern lines or simple embellishments - or you may like a touch more detail or glamour with gemstones, sequins, ribbons, glitter, Flowersoft etc
....until next time (when I'll share some Kaleidescope design tips!), subscribe for your regular email update from Shaz! Thanks for dropping by x
Sunday, 24 February 2008
Foolish Friends
I certainly hope they organise another but, until next time, a big hello to everyone who took part and visited us on the day...who knows, you might be reading this Blog right now, you know who you are! Thanks, Shaz x